Back Bay Feasibility Study with the Army Corps of Engineers

City of St. Augustine to sign feasibility study agreement with Army Corps of Engineers

Three-year study will begin immediately

On Monday, January 9, 2023, at 4:30pm, prior to the regular city commission meeting, St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline will sign the St Augustine, Florida Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with Colonel James Booth, Jacksonville District Commander, United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The CSRM Study is a three-year federal feasibility study that investigates coastal storm impacts on the City of St. Augustine and also explores economically viable and environmentally sound solutions to mitigate coastal storm risks.

The reduction of flood-related damages to residential, commercial, and historic/culturally significant resources, and critical infrastructure is vital. The study will identify comprehensive CSRM strategies to increase resilience and to reduce risk from future storms and compounding impacts of sea level change.  Identifying solutions to reduce damages will benefit the community as future projects are designed to mitigate flooding.

The City of St. Augustine will utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for its cost share match with the Army Corp of Engineers.  The estimated total cost of the study is $3,000,000 over three years.

“We are excited to officially start this process and work with the Corps and various stakeholders to develop environmentally, economically, and technically feasible solutions to ensure the resilience of the Nation’s Oldest City,” Chief Resilience Officer Jessica Beach commented.  “It is very difficult to get these types of studies authorized by Congress.  We have a lot at stake that is at risk, particularly with our historic and cultural resources, so being able to work with our federal partners to preserve and protect these resources is important.  We also want to thank the entire Florida Congressional Delegation and specifically Congressman John Rutherford’s office for his support in making the start of this study possible.”

Beach will serve as the city’s project manager for the duration of the study, coordinating all aspects of the project.

Scoping Meeting and Comment Period Notice Letter for USACE St. Augustine Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study (PDF)